If Force Escalates Against Citizens of Egypt, Are There Sufficient Arms for the Citizens?

Gun ownership in Egypt:

Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Egypt is 1.9 million

The rate of private gun ownership in Egypt is 3.52 firearms per 100 people

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Egypt ranks at No. 371

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Egypt ranks at No. 1152

Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy:

The regulation of guns in Egypt is categorized as restrictive


Guns in Egypt are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior

In Egypt, civilians are not allowed to possess long guns

In Egypt, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted

In Egypt, only licensed gun owners may lawfully possess firearms and ammunition

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Egypt are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, personal protection, security

An applicant for a firearm licence in Egypt must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and domestic violence records

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Egypt stipulates that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

In Egypt, the law requires that any possession, sale or transfer of a firearm be recorded and retained in a centralised, official register.

Bottom line: If violence escalates (if Egyptian and Israeli troops are brought in to crush the uprising), then it would be difficult for the citizens to offer resistance. They can only rely on outside influences (hope that U.S. supports democracy instead of puppet dictators). It doesn't look good.